3 reasons why Auston Matthews should consider withdrawing from 4 Nations Face-Off

Auston Matthews' lingering injury issue has continued to plague him in the 2024-25 season. In his first season as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthews has so far missed 11 games with an upper-body injury that just doesn't seem to settle down. He will also miss his 12th and 13th game, respectively, on Friday night in Detroit and on Saturday at home against the Washington Capitals.

In the 24 games Matthews has appeared in, he's produced 23 points with 11 goals and 12 assists. Fine production, but not up to the standards of the best goal scorer in the league. Even when the superstar center has been healthy enough to play, he's lacked the pop and spark we are all used to seeing Matthews provide.

While they've managed to go 7-4-0 without Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs absolutely need their captain to be healthy for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This has brought up the question of whether or not Auston Matthews should play in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

With the tournament rapidly approaching and Matthews' injury continuing to sideline him from NHL action, it's time to at least consider withdrawing to rest and recover.

Here are three reasons why Auston Matthews should seriously consider sitting out the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February.

3 reasons why Auston Matthews should consider withdrawing from 4 Nations Face-Off

#1. Nagging injury needs more time to heal

Auston Matthews' health should always be his No. 1 priority. Playing a grueling center ice position undoubtedly takes a toll on any player. This is especially the case for a superstar like Matthews who other teams key in on and play extremely hard against every single game.

It's quite concerning that his injury is still bothering him even after taking almost a month off earlier in the season. He must do whatever is necessary to solve what's forcing him out of the lineup.

#2. Focus as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs

As the newly named captain, Auston Matthews' main focus and responsibility is to the Toronto Maple Leafs. For a team loaded with star talent, Matthews is the guy who drives the bus. As the captain and best player on a team in the biggest hockey market in the NHL, he has to think Maple Leafs first.

After years and years of playoff failures, the city is starving for its first Stanley Cup championship since 1967. They rely heavily on Auston Matthews to break the curse.

#3. 2026 Winter Olympics

Matthews will certainly be disappointed if he's unable to play in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. Having yet to represent his country on the international stage since the 2016 World Junior Championships, he's surely itching to wear that United States jersey.

If he were to sit out the 4 Nations Face-Off, he could look forward to the 2026 Winter Olympics, which is a much larger tournament and holds more weight for NHL players. At 27 years old and in the prime of his career, Matthews will be the face of the US team by the time 2026 comes around.